Windstar is to operate winter cruises in the Mediterranean for the first time after axing Star Legend’s planned cruises in the Middle East.
Instead, the all-suite ship will operate cruises from European ports including Barcelona, Nice, Florence/Livorno, Marseille and Rome.
Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog said Star Legend’s launch in the Middle East has been postponed a year, until November 2024.
Other cruises lines, including MSC, have also axed their winter programmes in the region due to the escalating Israel-Gaza conflict.
Christopher said: “With a ship in the Mediterranean, we saw an opportunity to offer guests a legendary winter season in Europe. Our small ships and intimate atmosphere provide a truly unique way to explore Europe’s winter wonderlands, while enjoying the magic of the season and the comforts and casual luxury that Windstar is known for.”
New week-long Mediterranean cruises will be offered from December 2023 to April 2024.
It will be the first time the cruise line has operated in the winter in the Mediterranean.
Sixteen cruises will sail between Rome and Barcelona (or reverse) visiting Florence and Pisa (Livorno) and Marseille with overnights in Rome, Barcelona and Monte Carlo.
The last of the new Mediterranean series is an eight-night cruise from Rome to Athens visiting the Amalfi Coast and Greece. A Christmas holiday sailing can be booked as an eight- or nine-day cruise, the latter including New Year’s Eve.
Star Legend will be in Cannes in early December to coincide with the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) conference and executives including Christopher Prelog, Vice President of Sales Dianna Rom, and Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava will be on hand to show delegates the ship’s renovation completed as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative.
Those attending ILTM will also have an opportunity to sail on a two -night cruise to Rome after the event. Travel partners interested in touring or sailing, should contact [email protected].
Windstar Cruises’ new winter sailings will be on sale on 6 November.